The Capture of Gabriel

Ravone was handsome in his borrowed clothes. He was now the clean,
immaculate gentleman instead of the wretched vagabond of the hills. Even
Beverly was surprised at the change in him. His erstwhile sad and
melancholy face was flushed and bright with happiness. The kiss he
bestowed upon the delighted Candace was tender in the extreme. Then,
putting her aside he strode over and gallantly kissed the hand of
Graustark's princess, beaming an ecstatic smile upon the merry Beverly
an instant later.

"Welcome, Prince Dantan," said Yetive, "A thousand times welcome."

"All Graustark is your throne, most glorious Yetive. That is why I have
asked to be presented here and not in the royal hall below," said
Ravone.

"You will wait here with us, then, to hear the good news from our
warden," said the princess. "Send the courier to me," she
commanded. "Such sweet news should be received in the place which is
dearest to me in all Graustark."

The ministers and the lords and ladies of the castle were assembled in
the room when Baron Dangloss appeared with the courier from the
prison. Count Marlanx was missing. He was on his way to the fortress, a
crushed, furious, impotent old man. In his quarters he was to sit and
wait for the blow that he knew could not be averted. In fear and
despair, hiding his pain and his shame, he was racking his brain for
means to lessen the force of that blow. He could withdraw the charges
against Baldos, but he could not soften the words he had said and
written of Beverly Calhoun. He was not troubling himself with fear
because of the adventures in the chapel and passage. He knew too well
how Yetive could punish when her heart was bitter against an evil-doer.
Graustark honored and protected its women.